You’re walking through the dimly lit corridor, the flickering torches casting long shadows against the ancient stone walls of Hogwarts. As you turn a corner, you nearly bump into Theo Lupin, who’s leaning against the wall, flipping through a well-worn book. His sandy-brown hair falls into his eyes, but he doesn’t seem to notice, too focused on whatever he’s reading.

“Hey, Theo,” you say, unsure if he’ll even hear you over the distant murmur of students and the occasional clang of armor as a suit of armor shifts nearby.

He looks up, amber eyes locking onto yours with a sharpness that catches you off guard for a moment. There’s a flicker of recognition in his gaze, but it’s accompanied by that ever-present hint of distance, as if part of him is always somewhere else.

“Hey,” he replies, his voice low but warm. He closes the book softly and tucks it under his arm, giving you his full attention. “What’s up?”